2017 if annual report - texas
TRANSCRIPT
INLAND FISHERIES ANNUAL REPORT
2017
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FISHING
Carter Smith Craig Bonds Executive Director Director, Inland Fisheries
INLAND FISHERIES ANNUAL REPORT
2017
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
Commissioners T. Dan Friedkin
Chair, Houston Ralph H. Duggins
Vice-Chair, Fort Worth Anna B. Galo
Laredo Bill Jones Austin Jeanne W. Latimer
San Antonio James H. Lee
Houston S. Reed Morian
Houston Dick Scott
Wimberley Kelcy L. Warren
Dallas Lee M. Bass
Chairman-Emeritus Ft. Worth
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INLAND FISHERIES OVERVIEW ............................................................. 1 Mission 1 Scope 1 Agency Goals 1 Division Goals 1 Staff 2 Facilities 2 Contact Information 2 Funding and Allocation 3
WHAT WE DO ........................................................................................... 4 Administration 4 Habitat Conservation 4 Fisheries Management and Research 5 Hatcheries 5 Analytical Services 5 Information and Regulations 6 Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center 6
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...................................................................... 7 Expanded Effort to Manage Aquatic Invasive Species 7 Monitoring, Management Plans and Permits 9 Applied Management and Conservation Actions 10 Increased Access to Public Waters 12 Outreach 12 Infrastructure Enhancements 14 Agency-wide Collaboration 14
APPENDIX ............................................................................................... 16 Organization Charts 17 Stocking Reports 23 Research and Special Projects 24 Publications and Presentations 26 Outreach Events 28 Work with Other Organizations 29
1
INLAND FISHERIES OVERVIEW
Mission
To provide the best possible fishing opportunities while protecting and enhancing freshwater aquatic resources.
Scope
The Inland Fisheries Division is responsible for managing the fishery resources in approximately 1,100 public impoundments and about 191,000 miles of rivers and streams together totaling 1.7 million acres. These resources are used by 1.8 million anglers, whose fishing activities result in at least $960 million in trip and equipment expenditures.
Agency Goals
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan (2015) establishes four primary goals to direct the agency’s division operating plans and decisions regarding the state’s conservation and recreation needs.
Practice, Encourage and Enable Science-Based Stewardship of Natural and Cultural Resources
Increase Access to and Participation in the Outdoors
Educate, Inform and Engage Citizens in the Support of Conservation and Recreation
Employ Efficient, Sustainable, and Sound Business Practices
Division Goals
The division goals were developed to address the major issues facing the freshwater fisheries resources of Texas.
Maintain or restore appropriate conditions to support healthy aquatic ecosystems
Maintain quality fish communities for recreation and ecological health and value
Maintain or increase constituent satisfaction, participation, or stewardship
Employ efficient and sustainable business practices in fisheries management
2
Staff
Inland Fisheries has 213.5 positions assigned to management, hatchery, research, outreach, habitat, analytical services, and administrative branches. For details, see Appendix – Organization Charts.
Facilities
Contact Information
Inland Fisheries Division • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road • Austin, Texas 78744 (800) 792-1112 or (512) 389-4444 • www.tpwd.texas.gov
3
Funding and Allocation
In FY17, $20,295,223 was budgeted for Inland Fisheries (not including fringe benefits or capital construction). Federal Aid grants are expected to reimburse the Department $8,979,227 on eligible Inland Fisheries activities. The allocation of Federal Aid monies was $2,479,384 for Fish Hatchery and Laboratory facilities and $6,499,843 for Management and Research, Habitat, Outreach, and Administrative services.
FY17 Budget by Program
Administration $1,882,712
Management and Research $5,927,562
Hatcheries and Laboratory $5,932,948
Habitat/Aquatic Invasive Species $5,454,381
Outreach/Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center $1,097,620
Total FY17 w/o fringe $20,295,223
4
WHAT WE DO
Administration
The administrative function of the Inland Fisheries Division occurs at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department headquarters in Austin. The administrative staff provides critical leadership, management of budgets and grants, and managerial support to a number of field offices that work to carry out the mission of the division, largely outside the walls of headquarters. The Inland Fisheries Division seeks to maximize collaborative efforts between its work groups to accomplish projects and to achieve the larger goals of the division. These efforts, at least in part, are due to the close coordination of a small group of leaders who direct activities of staff in the areas of fisheries management and research, hatcheries, habitat conservation, information and regulations, analytical services, and Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (outreach).
Habitat Conservation
Healthy fish populations and quality freshwater fishing opportunities depend upon healthy aquatic habitats in Texas creeks, rivers, and reservoirs. The Inland Fisheries Division’s Habitat Conservation Branch cooperates with local, state and federal agencies, private landowners, local communities, river authorities, fishing clubs, watershed alliances, and other non-governmental organizations to design, plan, and conduct aquatic habitat restoration, enhancement, and
protection projects. Examples include restoration and protection of natural river flows by protecting springs or augmenting reservoir dam releases; management of reservoir water levels to maximize the availability of fish spawning and nursery habitats; restoration and protection of riparian buffers along creeks and rivers; cleanup and recovery of habitats negatively affected by oil spills and other pollution; and management of aquatic invasive plants. The Habitat Conservation Branch also monitors the status and trends of the diversity of Texas freshwater fishes, mussels, and other aquatic species, and develops and implements conservation plans to preserve the state’s freshwater biodiversity. Another area of emphasis for the branch is improving angler access to bank, wade, and kayak fishing opportunities on Texas rivers through the Texas Paddling Trails Program and the River Access and Conservation Areas Program.
5
Fisheries Management and Research
The division’s fisheries management program assesses fish communities, fish habitat, angler access, and angler use of public water resources. Sampling activities performed by this group are guided through scientifically accepted procedures that ensure a high degree of data quality, integrity, and validity for statistically analyzing trends and making sound fisheries management decisions. This team develops fisheries management plans for individual water bodies, develops the statewide fish stocking plan, recommends changes to harvest regulations, implements habitat improvement projects, assists with treatment of aquatic invasive species, conducts public outreach, manages our urban fishing programs, and performs research to evaluate and improve fisheries management strategies. Staff members provide assistance and information to the general public, fishing-related industries, water-controlling authorities, local governments, angling groups, civic groups, property owners, media, universities, and other natural resource agencies. Work teams are located at two regional offices and 16 district offices statewide.
The Inland Fisheries research program at the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center in Mountain Home provides leadership, support, and coordination for all research activities supported by the division. The program also provides intensive research investigations, literature reviews, statistical analyses, staff training, and science-based position papers that inform decision makers on critical aquatic resource-related issues or problems.
Hatcheries
Hatcheries serve as an important component of Inland Fisheries resource management. Fish stocking is one of several essential tools used to protect, manage and enhance statewide fisheries resources as well as achieve specific fisheries resource objectives. Stocked fish must meet specific requirements including number, size, genetic integrity, disease-free status, and time of stocking. Hatchery-stocked fish are used to start new fish populations, supplement existing fish populations, restore depleted or threatened
populations, provide fish in small urban lakes, enhance population genetics and performance, take advantage of improved habitat, and increase angler opportunities and success. Also, TPWD hatcheries play a significant role in public education. Hatchery personnel are involved in outreach programs and agency-sponsored fishing events as well as providing educational hatchery tours to the general public and students of all ages.
Analytical Services
Analytical laboratories serve a unique function within Inland Fisheries by providing state-of-the-science analyses in water quality, fish pathology, and genetics. Analytical Services conducts a variety of chemical analyses in support of divisional, interdivisional, and interagency programs. Analyses are routinely performed for the Kills and Spills Team, Law Enforcement Division’s Environmental Crime Unit, and in support of research conducted by Inland
6
Fisheries staff. The collective expertise of the Analytical Services staff allows customized analyses aimed at meeting the changing needs of the department and the state.
The Fish Health and Genetics Laboratory provides specialized expertise in fish health and genetics and in support of hatchery discharge permits. In-house expertise facilitates timely and efficient response to emerging and ongoing concerns. Fish health expertise imparts an ability to focus on specific pathogens of interest. Genetics expertise and equipment are used to facilitate management and advance scientific knowledge of important sport fish including Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, and catfishes, along with species of concern such as Guadalupe Bass and the Pecos River Pupfish. In the case of fish kill investigations, the lab may work to analyze both biological and chemical agents of concern.
Information and Regulations
The Information and Regulations group works closely with the Fisheries Management and Research branch to develop fishing regulation change proposals, obtain public input on the changes, and communicate the proposals to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. Staff members also provide administrative support to division staff based in Austin and furnish expertise for division-wide and agency-wide assessments of relevant data. This group coordinates the issue of Triploid Grass Carp permits and handles the freshwater fishing web pages, river access information including Texas Paddling Trails, Angler Recognition, and general information for the public. Staff are located at TPWD headquarters in Austin.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens is a multipurpose facility that provides educational experiences to the public while producing millions of fish annually to meet the stocking needs of fisheries managers. TFFC also serves as headquarters for the Toyota ShareLunker program. Around 40,000 people visit the center annually; over 16,000 of those are youth aged 12 and under. The visitor center opens six days a week to individuals and families. In addition, TFFC provides high quality, intensive, hands-on outdoor and science educational experiences for K-12 students and educators. Special events are held throughout the year to encourage and enhance constituent participation. These activities result in connections to aquatic resources in Texas, information about Inland Fisheries management and hatchery work, and great fishing experiences.
7
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Expanded Effort to Manage Aquatic Invasive Species
The 84th Legislature provided $6.3 million, authorized through Legislative Rider 34, to address statewide management of aquatic invasive species in 2016-2017. With this record appropriation, TPWD and partners have stepped up the war on aquatic invasive species. A multi-divisional Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group, led and coordinated by Inland Fisheries, developed plans to make the most effective use of these available dollars and achieve results that would encourage legislative support for these investments in the future. New and expanded partnerships with universities, river authorities, municipal water districts, non-profits, and others allowed the department to leverage existing personnel, equipment, and other resources to deliver projects quickly and efficiently. Here are some highlights:
58 rivers and lakes were managed to control infestations of aquatic invasive plants
880,011 giant salvinia weevils were produced and stocked in East Texas lakes to control giant salvinia
35,064 acres of giant salvinia were treated with herbicides on East Texas lakes including 7,491 acres at Toledo Bend Reservoir, 8,203 acres at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and 13,555 acres at Caddo Lake
6 rapid response events successfully contained introductions of giant salvinia at Lake Fork, Falcon Lake, Brandy Branch, and Martin Creek reservoirs
380 landowners and numerous other local community partners cooperated to manage Arundo along 128 miles of Hill Country rivers
6,700 acres of saltcedar were treated along 178 miles of the upper Brazos River to restore habitats for wildlife, including game birds and endangered fishes
25 miles of river were monitored and treated along the Llano River and tributaries to control invasive elephant ear
56 high-risk lakes were monitored to aid in early detection of zebra mussels
80 marinas were visited as part of an outreach program to promote zebra mussel prevention strategies and encourage active partnership in monitoring efforts
1,960 boats were inspected at 57 boat ramps on lakes infested or at high risk for zebra mussels
575,000 registered boaters received “Clean, Drain and Dry” outreach and prevention materials
313 million targeted impressions to Texas boaters were made through radio, online, print, and outdoor advertising as part of the giant salvinia and zebra mussel public awareness campaigns
8
Zebra Mussel Monitoring & Prevention — TPWD and a growing number of partners continue to intensively monitor water bodies at risk for zebra mussel infestation and those where zebra mussels were recently detected, using a combination of shoreline surveys, settlement samplers, plankton sampling, and DNA analysis. At year’s end, 11 Texas lakes across five river basins were classified as infested, meaning the lake has an established, reproducing population. Zebra mussels or their larvae had been found more than once in six other lakes and in rivers downstream of infested waters. As a precaution against further spread of this pest, TPWD and partners continued a targeted outreach campaign encouraging boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry and Protect the Lakes You Love.
Aquatic Vegetation Control – TPWD and partners continued to fight giant salvinia with herbicides, giant salvinia weevils, and a multi-pronged outreach effort in targeted areas of the state. An additional weevil rearing facility was brought online in Karnack, near Caddo Lake. Also, herbicide treatments were applied to 6,059 acres of water hyacinth. Partnerships composed of agencies, landowners, and non-government organizations worked to manage invasions of Arundo, saltcedar, and elephant ear in five riversheds.
Research Updates — Endocide research at Stephen F. Austin State University has identified chemical compounds in giant salvinia that are toxic to the plants themselves in concentrated doses. Laboratory and field trials of the most promising endocides were conducted in FY 2017, with encouraging results. That research was supported by TPWD, which also worked with other universities to study “boom-and-bust” cycles in zebra mussel populations and what conditions favor downstream spread from infested waters. In the area of invasive fishes, TPWD partnered with Texas Tech University (TTU) to use electrofishing surveys and cutting-edge “eDNA" analysis to study where Asian carp are present and where they might be able to thrive in Texas. Results showed that bighead carp are present but rare, and do not appear to have spread beyond areas where preventive regulations are in effect. TPWD also worked with TTU to review available science on invasive tilapia species and partnered with SWCA Environmental Consultants and Texas A&M University to study armored catfish reproduction and growth in Landa Lake (Comal River). Results of these studies may help refine control efforts to make the best use of limited time and resources.
9
Monitoring, Management Plans and Permits
Reservoir Surveys — Staff conducted 334 surveys of fish populations, habitat, water quality, and angler use on 164 reservoirs covering 1,333,378 surface acres of water. These led to the production of 44 comprehensive management plans designed to improve freshwater fishing opportunities.
River Surveys — Staff conducted 51 surveys to assess the status of fish communities, freshwater mussels, benthic invertebrates, aquatic and riparian habitats, and recreational use in selected rivers. Sites included mainstem reaches and tributaries of the Nueces, Guadalupe, Colorado, Concho, Big Cypress, Red, Brazos, Sabine, Rio Grande, Llano, Little Blanco, Frio, Pecos, Devils, and Trinity rivers. Focal species included Guadalupe Bass, Alligator Gar, American Eel, Blue Sucker, Devils River Minnow, Sharpnose and Smalleye Shiner, and White Bass. Survey results
helped inform a variety of river recreation and other public access improvements, along with conservation projects including riparian invasive species control, riparian vegetation recolonization, water management decisions, fish and freshwater mussel species distribution modeling, aquatic life use assessments, restoration of Guadalupe Bass populations, and other native fish conservation efforts.
Fish Health Investigations — A.E. Wood and collaborating laboratories investigated 33 fish health cases, analyzing approximately 1,913 fish. A total of 147 samples were processed for zebra mussel larvae or DNA and 118 samples were analyzed for Prymnesium parvum (golden alga) toxicity and presence in public lakes. In addition, the laboratories completed 12 genetics projects with 2,105 samples.
Permits — The division issued 43 permits authorizing private partners to introduce fish into public waters to enhance fishing opportunities and 64 permits for commercial harvest of nongame fishes from public waters. Introduction permits were also issued for aquatic plant restoration (8) and for relocation of aquatic resources (97) to minimize impacts of projects that temporarily disturbed aquatic habitats. Staff issued 210 permits (including renewals) authorizing possession of prohibited exotic fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants for the purpose of invasive plant management (31), fish/shrimp aquaculture (95), culture of water spinach as a food source (58), research (15), and zoological display (11). Staff issued 1,090 permits to stock Triploid Grass Carp for biological control of nuisance vegetation, authorizing a total of 32,148 fish. In addition, sand and gravel permits for disturbing or taking sedimentary material within navigable streams were issued for pipeline/utility line crossings (22), road crossings (3), and channel stabilization (3).
10
Applied Management and Conservation Actions
Lake Wichita Revitalization Project - An ongoing effort that began in 2013 focused on returning our state’s third oldest reservoir to a quality outdoor recreational venue. Several key project milestones occurred in 2017. In March, President Theodore Roosevelt’s great-grandson, Theodore Roosevelt IV, delivered a full endorsement speech at an event in Wichita Falls with more than 400 in attendance. The project received its 3,300th donation, and grants and private donation combined totals surpassed $3.8 million. The most significant milestone to date was reached in August when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit enabling the project work to occur once adequate funding is raised. Plans include enhancing watershed, wetland, and in-lake habitat (including excavating 7 million cubic-yards of sediment) and expanding public recreational amenities. Partners in this effort include TPWD, City of Wichita Falls, Lakeside City, Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation, and Lake Wichita Chapter of Friends of Reservoirs.
New Texas Rivers Conservation Plate – In April 2017, Inland Fisheries helped launch the Texas Rivers themed vehicle license plate. Art work features a cypress-lined Hill Country river cascading over limestone boulders. The river gently carries a kayaker downstream while an angler wades in the river and casts into a yellow sunset. The plate sells for $30, with $22 going directly to projects that restore and preserve fish, wildlife, and their habitats in Texas rivers and that expand access to river fishing and paddling opportunities. As a source of non-federal matching funds, plate revenues will be used by Inland Fisheries
to meet the cost-share requirements of various federal and private grant programs that support river conservation. With an anticipated leveraging ratio of 1:4, Inland Fisheries expects that each Texas Rivers conservation license plate purchased will generate more than $100 annually for river conservation projects. For more information, see www.conservationplate.org/texas‐rivers.phtml
11
Hatcheries and Stocking - A total of 13.8 million fingerlings were produced and stocked in public water. Species stocked included Largemouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, Striped and Hybrid Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, Rainbow Trout and Red Drum. The majority of the fingerlings stocked were Largemouth Bass (54%) and Striped or Hybrid Striped Bass (24%). Trout are acquired from a commercial producer and
Red Drum are produced by the Coastal Fisheries Division. Also, a portion of the advanced Channel Catfish fingerings (12 to 14 inches) stocked in support of the Neighborhood Fishin’ Program are acquired from a commercial producer. Hatchery staff drove more than 156,780 miles on more than 939 stocking trips to distribute the fish to more than 322 water bodies.
Regulation Updates – Staff recommended several changes in regulations to improve angling opportunities and protect fisheries resources. The following changes were adopted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Implemented catch-and-release only regulations for Largemouth Bass and sunfish on Bedford Boys Ranch Lake (Tarrant County).
Implemented a catch-and-release only regulation for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass on sections of the Devils River (Val Verde County). The regulation is in effect from the State Highway 163 bridge (Baker’s Crossing) downstream to the confluence of Big Satan Creek Canyon and includes all Devils River tributaries within this section.
Added Alabama Bass (name changed from spotted bass) to the list of game fishes, and updated existing regulations (statewide and Alan Henry Reservoir) that include this species.
The collection of Gizzard and Threadfin Shad from public water for use as bait now requires a $60 permit for the possession or sale of nongame fish if the container capacity used to transport the shad exceeds 82 quarts.
Additional Proposed Updates - The Inland Fisheries team examined the effectiveness of the state’s special Largemouth Bass harvest regulations and began phasing out three regulations: the 14-to-18 and 14-to-24-inch slot limits and the 16-inch minimum length limit. Changes have been proposed on 18 reservoirs for 2018-19. The goal of this review was to make our fishing regulations less more easily understood and enforceable, without sacrificing the quality of fishing that Texas anglers have come to expect.
12
Increased Access to Public Waters
Leased River Fishing Access – The Division continued to maintain 18 leased fishing access sites that offer bank, wade, and kayak fishing on more than 170 miles of 10 rivers. River access sites were located on the Brazos, Colorado, Devils, Guadalupe, Llano, Neches, Nueces, Sabine, San Marcos, and South Llano rivers. These public-private partnerships with cooperating landowners have led to substantial economic benefits to local communities. Using angler counts and recently published data on river fishing
trip expenditures, we calculated lease-specific returns on investment ranging from 10:1 and 19:1 at three access sites on the Guadalupe River. The estimated annual economic benefit to local communities from improved access at the three sites was $380,081. By extrapolating those economic benefits across all 18 leased access sites, we estimate that the leases generated upwards of $2.4 million in annual economic benefit to local communities in 2017. Service projects at leased access sites were conducted in partnership with the Texas Council of Fly Fishers International, Texas River School, Keep Texas Beautiful, Devils River Conservancy, Llano River Watershed Alliance, Hill Country Alliance, and other local organizations. These projects included trash cleanup, invasive plant removal, planting of native trees, and hosting of river stewardship workshops for landowners and local communities.
New Paddling Trails — This year saw the opening of two new inland Padding Trails: one in the recently restored Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, and one along the south shore of Lake Grapevine.
Outreach
Tournament Outreach - TPWD took advantage of three major bass tournaments to promote Texas fishing opportunities and agency programs. The Geico Bassmasters Classic, fished at Lake Conroe, had daily weigh-ins and an Outdoor Expo at Minute Maid Park/Herman Brown Convention Center in Houston. We supported fish care operations, youth outreach, and an information booth. The event drew 115,000 spectators; the second most in B.A.S.S. history. We also supported the inaugural Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest (TBTF) at Sam Rayburn Reservoir; replacing a decade-long series of events called the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (2007-2016). At the TBTF, 109 professional anglers showcased our “catch-weigh-immediate release” tournament format and we received a $250,000 donation to support Neighborhood Fishin’ and other programs. Support was also provided to a Major League Fishing (MLF) championship event held on Naconiche, Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, and Kurth reservoirs in Southeast Texas. This event demonstrated the utility of the catch-weigh-release format on lakes managed with special harvest regulations. All three events had significant online/social media exposure and television reach.
13
State-Fish Art Contest – Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center hosts the Texas division of this contest, which is sponsored by the national non-profit Wildlife Forever. In 2017, we had 860 entries from grades K-12, more than any other state. First, second, and third place winners received scholarships and have their artwork displayed annually at TFFC and the Sheffield Education Center in Austin, Texas. The top 10 contestants in each of four grade divisions were recognized with an awards ceremony, luncheon, fishing gear, and a day at TFFC.
Sharing the Great Outdoors – Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is our division’s primary outreach and education center. Open to the public for 310 days in FY17, the Center provided a high-quality experience including facility tours, workshops, and aquatic education classes. Visitors included 38,885 people from 152 Texas counties, 48 states, and nine foreign countries. TFFC provided hands-on fishing for 28,293 visitors, with 293 receiving First Fish Awards. A total of 15,839 people toured the hatchery ponds via guided tram. The Center also provided support materials for teachers, students, and the general public.
Working with Schools – TFFC facilitated the annual Wetland Adventure, a three-day event involving more than 100 Stephen F. Austin State University School of Education preservice teachers and hundreds of regional school students. TFFC also provided its annual STAAR Academy for eighth-grade students of Eustace ISD, offering intensive science education classes to target school-identified weaknesses in standardized tests.
Social Media — Inland Fisheries staff worked closely with the Communications Division, using multiple media platforms to expand our engagement with the public. Forty social media posts from the College Station-Houston fisheries management district reached an estimated 1.5 million people and generated 20,000 comments and reactions. Facebook videos of bass spawning at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center attracted a great deal of interest, more than doubling the number of fans that “liked” the page during the year. The Waco fisheries management district also saw more than a 100% increase in Facebook fans, and several other teams within the division expanded their use of interactive communication channels to share information and engage constituents.
Target Audiences — Inland Fisheries staff led 310 outreach events designed to reach youth under 17, minorities, women, and physically challenged individuals. A total of 28,391 people participated in these events. For details on the various audiences, see Appendix – Outreach Events.
14
Infrastructure Enhancements
Hatchery Renovations - Construction and renovation efforts continued at several facilities including the Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC), and A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery. The water supply storage reservoir and production wells at TFFC were completed. That project is expected to provide greater operational flexibility as well as a secure source of water free of potential pathogens and nuisance aquatic species. Renovation of the existing
incubation facilities at the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery and upgrades to climate control systems at three hatcheries continued to progress and are expected to be complete in 2018.
Dundee Hatchery Back in Business - After a five-year shutdown due to persistent drought conditions, four additional staff have been put in place to help bring the Dundee hatchery back to full operation. The ozone disinfection project scheduled in 2012 has been re-opened; the design was reviewed and finalized, and the project is scheduled for constriction 2018. Also, design of an effluent collection and pump-back system that will allow the hatchery to operate during drought conditions was initiated. Construction of that project is scheduled for 2019.
Agency-wide Collaboration
Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas in August. Our Division stood ready to support an agency-wide effort to help fellow employees and the public in a time of need. Team members in Brookeland and College Station assisted with search and rescue efforts in Southeast Texas. They rescued 33 people and assisted with five welfare checks and two body recovery missions. Team members were also involved in three power line surveys and power line electrical switch work. These activities took place over multiple days under harsh environmental and living conditions. Meanwhile, headquarters staff served on the agency’s Incident Management Team, a communications and assets management hub designed to protect the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests; protect agency assets from storm damage; offer shelter to evacuees; assess damage to TPWD facilities; and gather data on staff who were personally affected by the disaster. Two employees within the division suffered losses of personal property. Conversations were later initiated on how Inland Fisheries could play a larger support role in future incidents of this type.
15
Recruiting, Retention and Reactivation - Inland Fisheries staff are participating in an interdivisional team that is evaluating TPWD’s recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts. It’s part of a national effort to create new participants in outdoor activities and increase participation rates of current/lapsed outdoor recreationists. For our division, the primary focus is anglers, and ultimately, fishing licenses. These efforts also feed into the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s 60 in 60 campaign, which aims to increase license sales from 46 million to 60 million in 60 months. Work accomplished so far has focused on assessing angler/hunter R3 efforts and mapping those efforts using the Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model. The goal of the mapping is to identify gaps, redundancies, and partner opportunities (linking one program to another) in our agency’s outreach efforts.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 4647), under consideration by U.S. Congress, has the potential to provide a substantial and unprecedented level of financial investment in the restoration and conservation of at-risk species in Texas and nationally. Passage of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act would provide more than $63 million annually for conservation of Texas Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This funding would help fill critical research needs, establish monitoring programs, restore or enhance degraded habitats, restore connectivity in fragmented rivers and other natural landscapes, preserve intact habitats through conservation easements, manage invasive species, propagate and repatriate fish and wildlife populations, and deliver a multitude of other actions necessary to restore and preserve focal species and their habitats. In anticipation of the passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, TPWD formed a multidivisional committee tasked with assembling strategies for leveraging and investing these resources to maximize their impact. These strategies are outlined in a report entitled “Sustaining Our State’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources: Conservation Delivery through the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.”
16
APPENDIX
17
Organization Charts
Legend
Abbreviation Job Title ADMIN ASST Administrative Assistant FWT Fish and Wildlife Tech MAINT SUPER Maintenance Supervisor MGR Manager NRS Natural Resources Specialist PS Program Specialist SSO Staff Services Officer WEB ADMIN Web Administrator
Inla
nd F
ishe
ries
Adm
inis
trat
ion
MGR V
MGR V
MGR V
MGR V
GLENEW
INKEL, K
RISTI
BROOKS, TAMMY
ADMIN ASST IV
NRS V
Inform
ation an
d Re
gulation
Man
agem
ent
and Re
search
Hatcheries
Hab
itat
Conservation
KURZA
WSKI, KEN
TERRE, D
AVID
ENGELING, TODD
BIRDSO
NG, TIM
OTHY
SSO V
SSO V
BONDS, CRAIG
DIRECTOR IV
OLD
FATHER, TONI
MOORE, LISA
Hab
itat C
onse
rvat
ion
FWT III
STEVENS, ALA
NA
FWT II
GRUBH, ARCHIS
NRS IV
LINAM, GORDON
NRS V
CURTIS, STEPHAN
NRS II
KOLO
DZIEJCYK, KEVIN
FWT I
FWT I
NRS III
PS V
FWT I
NRS IV
CURTIS, STEPHEN
TIDWELL, MICHAEL T.
NRS II
PS II
BOTROS, JO
HN
NRS IV
AZIZ, KARIM
FWT I
FWT I
NRS V
NRS II
NRS III
ROBERTSON, CLINTON
CONLEY, GREGORY
MAYES, KEVIN
BURGER, KATHRYN
STEPHEN DAVIS
Vacant
Vacant
NRS II
NRS IV
ROBERTSO
N, SA
RAH
SCHRIFT, ANGELA
NRS II
NRS IV
BEAN, PRESTON
MCGILLICUDDY, RYAN
NRS III
NRS IV
NRS I‐IV
NRS I‐IV
BEAN, MEGAN
BENDIK, BETH
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
STEVE M
AGNELIA
PITTS JR, DONALD
McGARRITY, MONICA
PARKER, MELISSA
HEGER, THOMAS
River Con
servation Te
am
MARTINEZ, CHRISTINA
Watershed
Con
servation Te
am
BIRDSONG, TIM
OTHY
MGR V
DUNHAM, JASON
ADMIN ASST IV
River Studies
Environm
ental A
ssessm
ent, Respon
se & Restoration
Aqu
atic In
vasive
Spe
cies
ADMIN ASST IV
NRS V
NRS III
Vacant
GREGORY, JOHANNA
Fish
erie
s M
anag
emen
t and
Res
earc
h
NRS II
FAROOQI, M
UKHTAR
NRS IV
ADAMS, AARON
FWT II
GOSSETT, DARIN
FWT II
CUMMINGS, GREG A
FWT II
FWT II
BOWLING, JEFFREY
San M
arcos/Austin
FWT II
DE JESUS, MARCOS
NRS V
MAYO, MICHAEL
FWT II
DRISCOLL, JASON
PROVINE, JO
HN W
NRS II
FWT III
FWT III
MALONE, SHAWN
FISCHBACK, MIKE
VICARS, DAVID M
ARK
FWT III
NRS V
NRS V
FINDEISEN, JO
HN
Vacant
BAIRD, MICHAEL
NRS V
NRS IV
NRS IV
DECKER, THOMAS
NRS II
KAY, KENNETH
BURNETT, JARRETT
San Antonio
Waco
FWT II
FWT II
MYERS, RANDALL
TIBBS, JO
HN
WEBB, MARK
San Ange
loDFW
FWT II
FWT II
LYNN W
RIGHT
BROCK, RAPHAEL
FOX, CYNTHIA
FWT III
FWT III
HUGHES, WILLIAM
MEDRANO, RAMIRO
NRS V
NRS V
RAGAN, ASHLEY
SWAN, ABBY
NRS II
FWT I
MUNGER, CHARLES R
BENNETT, DAN
BISTER, TIM
OTHY
DRISCOLL, TODD
NRS V
NRS V
Abilene
Witchita Falls
Tyler‐North
College Station/H
ouston
FWT II
NRS III
Tyler ‐ So
uth
Corpus Christi
OTT JR, RICHARD
BINION, GREGORY
INGLE, JO
HN
WALLACE, ANDREW
NRS V
NRS V
FWT III
FWT III
NORMAN, JAKE
McDonald, Dusty
GEORGE, STEPHANIE
NRS II
NRS II
FWT II
CRUZ, CHARLES
HUNGERFORD, THOMAS
COLE, ROBERT
YEAGER, BEN
FELIX, KURT
JOHNSON, WILLIAM
WIENECKE, ROBERT
FWT III
FWT II
FWT II
FWT II
FWT III
VIGNALI, CARL
WILSON, DAVID
BENSON, LANCE
DUTTER, WESTLEY
BROWN, MONTE
GORE, MICHAEL
PAVLICEK, SHANE
FWT II
FWT III
FWT III
FWT III
FWT III
GOLDSTROHM, NATALIE A
MAUK, ROBERT
CARTABIANO, EVAN
BEST, ALICE
WALDREP, TRAVIS J
NRS II
NRS IV
NRS
NRS II
FWT I‐II
FLEMING, PAUL
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
NRS III
FWT III
FWT II
FWT III
FWT III
SCHLECHTE, WARREN
HOY, JAMES T
ROBINSON, TODD
DeWYSE, JO
SHUA
LENDERMAN, LARRY
NRS V
FWT II
FWT III
FWT II
FWT II
SMITH, NATHAN
HOMER, MICHAEL
LANG, TOM
STOREY, KEVIN
Vacant
DELEON, DAVID
CLOUSE, COREY
GREEN, THOMAS
MOORHEAD, JO
E
NRS III
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
DAUGHERTY, DANIEL
CLAYTON, JO
HN
MOCZYGEMBA, JO
HN
LECHELT, JO
SEPH
ASHE, DANIEL
NRS V
NRS III
NRS IV
NRS
NRS IV
CUMMINGS, CHIS
BERRY, PATRICIA
LEWIS, DANNY
GREEN, JIMMIE
SUDYKA, ANNETTE
PS IV
SSO I
PS IV
SSO I
SSO I
BODINE, KRIS
NRS V
Amarillo
Denison
Marshall
Jasper
BUCKMEIER, DAVID
MGR V
MGR V
MGR V (02175)
TERRE, DAVID
MGR V
Region 1 ‐ W
aco
Region 2 ‐Tyler
Heart of the Hills Fish
eries Science Center
VAN ZEE, BRIAN
DUMONT, SPENCER
BETSILL, ROBERT
Hat
cher
ies
JUSTICE, GAR
Y
Vacant
NRS IV
Vacant
FWT I
FWT I
Vacant
MAINT
SUPE
R V
MAINT
SUPE
R IV
WOO
DLING, RICKY
MAINT
SUPE
R V
Vacant
MOT
OR VEH
ICLE V
NRS IV
FWT I
CRAM
ER,CHA
RLEE
KUNZ
, TRE
Y
FWT I
FWT II
LILLEY, W
ADE
FWT II
FONT
ANA, RYA
N
FWT II
TOWNS
END, SC
OTT
FWT II
FISC
HER, M
ATTH
EW
PERE
IRA, M
ICHA
EL
MGR
V
MGR
V
SPAR
ROW, R
EESE
OWEN
S, TO
NY
WITT, TO
DD
John D
. Park
er East Te
xas F
ish Ha
tchery
NATION
S, M
ICHE
LESC
HMIDT, M
ELISSA
MAT
THEW
S, M
IKE
PARE
T, JO
HNPU
GLIESE, N
EIL
Dund
ee Fish Ha
tchery
ENGE
LING, TO
DD
MGR
V
Vacant
PS V
Regio
n 1 Ha
tcheri
es ‐ S
an M
arcos
Texas F
reshwa
ter Fisheri
es Ce
nter
KITTEL, C
ARL
SCOT
T, M
ANDY
NRS V
NRS V
NRS V
MAINT
SUPE
R V
INVE
NTOR
Y & ST
ORE S
PEC I
V
MAC
KIE, CAR
OLYN
SSO 1
SSO 1
ADMINISTR
ATIVE A
SST IV
A. E. Wo
od Fish Ha
tchery
Possu
m Kin
gdom
Fish Ha
tchery
Texas F
resh W
ater F
isheri
es Ce
nter
NRS V
NRS V
PS VI
BROO
SHEA
R, KYLE
PS IV
Vacant
NRS IV
NRS I
FWT III
CLER
K III
CHAM
BERLAIN, RAN
DYHO
FSTETTER
, DEN
ISE
ZAMAN
EK, Z
ACHA
RYGL
ENEW
INKE
L, HU
GHRO
GERS
, RYA
N GILLER
T, JE
REMY
STINCH
COMB, ZO
E
NRS II
NRS II
PS IV
EARLY, BRA
NDON
NRS
Vacant
PARISH
, DAV
ID
HANS
ON, M
ORGA
N
FWT III
FWT III
FWT III
CLER
K III
KASP
AR, B
OBPA
LMER
JESSICA
CART
ER, SHA
NE
MAR
QUEZ, K
EITH
WILB
ANKS, SHE
RILYN
POWELL, JO
HNMAR
QUAR
T, JA
RRET
Vacant
REED
ER, D
EREK
MOO
RHEA
D , TY H
UNTER
FWT I
FWT III
TALLEY, C
ODY
POLK, G
REGO
RY
FWT III
Vacant
MGR
I
FWT II
CLER
K III
REYN
OLDS
, NAT
HAN
THOM
PSON
, COU
RTNE
YTIDW
ELL, TR
AVIS
GREEN III, R
OBER
T CLAP
P, BEV
ERLY
BAILE
Y, M
ARSH
ALL
FWT I
FWT II
FWT II
FWT II
BROO
KS, C
RAIG
FWT II
Vacant
PS I
FWT II
CLER
K III
ANDR
EW ROIG
COFFMAN
, CHA
NEY
PATT
ERSO
N, DON
OVAN
FIELDE
R, ZA
CHNE
UWIRTH
, SUS
AN
FWT II
FWT I
NRS II
FWT II
INVE
NTOR
Y & ST
ORE S
PEC II
FWT I
FWT I
FWT II
FWT I
BOOK
ER, JAM
ES
FWT II
BAILE
Y, M
ARSH
ALL
FWT I
THIBOD
EAUX
, CHR
ISTO
PHER
COBB
, GER
ALD
NRS III
FWT III
DOWD,CH
RIS
DAVIS, TE
RRY
GRIGGS
, LISA
FWT II
KATH
RYN BR
IGGS
FWT II
STAC
Y, KRISTIN
FWT I
FWT III
FWT I
WAD
E, DEB
ORAH
TREA
DWAY
, BLA
KE
FWT I
FWT I
PECK
HAM, M
ATTH
EW J
FWT I
PS IV
NRS II
FOSTER
, ELIZ
ABETH
HEAT
ON, W
AYNE
In
form
atio
n an
d R
egul
atio
ns
Ana
lytic
al S
ervi
ces STEINMETZ, GARY
CHEMIST V
PRANGNELL, DAVID
NRS III
Vacant
NRS VI
HAMBY, STEVEN
LUTZ‐CARRILLO
, DIJAR
PS V
SOUTHARD, GREGORY
PS V
NRS IV
PS V
WEB ADMIN II
SMITH, RON
PS V
TAYLO
R, JO
HN
NRS V
SARAH HAAS
CORTEZ, DYANNE
KURZAWSKI, KEN
MGR V
BENNETT, WENDY
ADMIN ASST IV
23
Stocking Reports
Inland Fisheries Hatchery Stockings
Species Adult Fingerling Fry Total
Blue Catfish 248,767 248,767
Bluegill 1,088 566,031 567,119
Channel Catfish 17,482 612,770 630,252
Florida Largemouth Bass 282 7,509,939 1,025,917 8,536,138
Guadalupe Bass 148,014 148,014
Largemouth Bass 1,290 60,963 62,253
Palmetto Bass (striped x white bass hybrid) 1,195,945 9,115,823 10,311,768
Rainbow Trout 333,691 333,691
Red Drum 1,303,338 1,303,338
Smallmouth Bass 39,463 39,463
Striped Bass 1,933,004 3,427,628 5,360,632
Sunshine Bass (white x striped bass hybrid) 171,710 465,500 637,210
Walleye 5,105,992 5,105,992
Grand Total 353,833 13,789,944 19,140,860 33,284,637
24
Research and Special Projects Research works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of division operations and programs. This year progress was made on 49 studies that focused on:
Increasing hatchery production and improving fish production protocols (7 studies)
Highlights:
Increasing production of Guadalupe Bass for restoration efforts
Developing best practices for spawning Smallmouth Bass
Fish disease control in Channel Catfish rearing ponds
Managing and understanding the ecology of river fishes (12 studies)
Highlights:
Assessing population and recruitment dynamics of Alligator Gar
Modeling the effects of harvest on Alligator Gar populations
Assessing Guadalupe Bass population densities and movements in central Texas rivers
Determining spatial variability in hybridization of Guadalupe Bass
Largemouth bass genetics and management (8 studies)
Highlights:
Comparing growth of ShareLunker offspring and other Florida Largemouth Bass
Economic value of large fishing tournaments at Lake Fork
Genetic assessment of relatedness among ShareLunker program entries
Catfish management (4 studies)
Highlights:
Identifying effective catfish regulations to achieve fishery objectives
25
Aquatic invasive species management or control (4 studies)
Highlights:
Identifying treatments for preventing zebra mussel transfers during fish transport
Evaluating treatments for controlling golden alga blooms and toxicity
Fish habitat improvement (5 studies)
Highlights:
Assessing fish use and biological productivity of various aquatic plant species
Using fish attractors to enhance aquatic habitat
Development and validation of new techniques (5 studies)
Highlights:
Using low cost side-scan sonar technology for identifying fish
Validating age estimation procedures
Development of an indirect method for estimating size-specific exploitation
Recruiting anglers, urban fisheries, and other studies (4 studies)
Highlights:
Developing partnerships and identifying marketing strategies to recruit anglers
Evaluating success of fry-stocked hybrid Striped Bass
26
Publications and Presentations
Scientific Publications and Reports Bennett, D. L., K. A. Bodine, J. W. Schlechte, R. A. Ott, J. D. Norman. 2017. Fishing practices and
motivations of hand fishers in Texas. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 4:1-7.
Bodine, K. A., J. W. Schlechte, R. A. Ott, D. L. Bennett, and J. D. Norman. 2016. Estimating exploitation and modeling the effects of hand fishing on a Flathead Catfish population in East Texas. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 36:1416-1424.
Bohn, S., B. R. Kreiser, D. J. Daugherty, and K. A. Bodine. 2017. Natural hybridization of Lepisosteids: implications for managing the Alligator Gar. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:405-413.
Buckmeier, D. L., N. G. Smith, D. J. Daugherty, and D. L. Bennett. 2017. Reproductive ecology of Alligator Gar: identification of environmental drivers of recruitment success. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 4:8-17.
Buckmeier, D. L., R. Snow, N. G. Smith, and C. Porter. 2017. Are age estimates for Longnose Gar and Spotted Gar Accurate? An evaluation of sagittal otoliths, pectoral fin rays, and branchiostegal rays. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2017.1320306
Daugherty, D. J., K. L. Pangle, W. Karel, F. Baker, C. R. Robertson, D. L. Buckmeier, N. G. Smith, and N. Boyd. 2017. Population structure of Alligator Gar in a Gulf Coast river: insights from otolith microchemistry and genetic analyses. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:337-348.
Daugherty, D. J., J. W. Schlechte, and D. L. McDonald. 2017. Alligator Gar in Texas coastal bays: long-term trends and environmental influences. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2017.1348986
Guillen, G. J., and S. G. Curtis. 2015 (Published 2017). Establishment of the Bluefin Killifish (Lucania goodei) in Urban Streams of Texas. General Notes in Texas Journal of Science 67(2): 79-84.
Haas, S. E., W. Dillon, H. Cushman, N. Rank, D. M. Rizzo, and R. K. Meentemeyer. 2016. Effects of individual, community and landscape drivers on the dynamics of a wildland forest epidemic. Ecology 97: 649-660.
Haas, S. E., M. K. Reeves, A. E. Pinkney, and P. T. J. Johnson. 2017. Continental-extent patterns in amphibian malformations linked to parasites, chemical contaminants, and their interactions. Global Change Biology. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13908
Hunt, K., and C. R. Parker. 2017. A social and economic study of the Lake Fork Reservoir recreational fishery. Technical report prepared for TPWD, Mississippi State University, 50 pages.
27
McDonald, D. L., J. W. Schlechte, and D. J. Daugherty. 2017. Comparison of two biometric methods for nonlethal sex determination of Alligator Gar. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2017.1370014
Olsen, Z., J. Anderson, and D. McDonald. 2016. Morphological and molecular variation among populations of tidewater (Menidia peninsulae) and Inland (M. beryllina) Silversides: insight into drivers of adaptation and speciation of silverside fishes. Environmental Biology of Fishes 99:857-871.
Smith, N. G., D. J. Daugherty, J. W. Schlechte, and D. L. Buckmeier. 2017. Modeling the responses of Alligator Gar populations to harvest under various length-based regulations: Implications for conservation and management. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. DOI: 10.1080/00028487.2017.1341853
Popular Articles Sixty-one popular articles were written and published by Inland Fisheries staff in 11 different publications. Popular articles were produced by Dyanne Cortez (6), and six Inland Fisheries management district offices: Abilene (27), Jasper (12), San Angelo (11), College Station/Houston (3), Tyler South (1), and the aquatic habitat enhancement team (1). More than 150 press releases on aquatic natural resources, fisheries management, and recreational fishing opportunities were provided to TV, radio, news, and outdoor-related media outlets by management district offices and habitat conservation teams.
Technical Presentations A total of 50 presentations were given by staff as author or co-author, at 16 professional meetings or conferences. Venues included:
American Fisheries Society, annual meeting, Tampa, FL
Southern Division American Fisheries Society, annual meeting, Oklahoma City, OK
Texas Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, annual meeting, Baton Rouge, LA
Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Austin, TX
River Rally, Grand Rapids, MI
Urban Riparian Symposium, Houston, TX
Restore America’s Estuaries Summit, New Orleans, LA
Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium, Cleveland, OH
Instream Flow Council Biennial Meeting, State College, PA
28
West Texas Water Symposium, Alpine, TX
USFWS Central Texas Mussels Species Status Assessment Expert Workshop. Austin, TX
Texas Aquatic Plant Management Society, Boerne, TX
Marina Association of Texas, Galveston, TX
Tamarisk Coalition Conference, Fort Collins, CO
Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Lafayette, LA
Outreach Events Inland Fisheries staff members were event leaders at 310 outreach events for targeted user groups (youth under 17, minorities, women, and physically challenged) in which 28,391 individuals participated.
Youth 17 & under Adults Total
Males (1) 10,089 4,044 14,133
Females (2) 9,715 4,543 14,258
Minorities 7,561 1,843 9,404
Physically Challenged 356 77 433
Total (1+2) 19,804 8,587 28,391
29
Work with Other Organizations
Program Contracts and Agreements — Outgoing Awards Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties Water Control and Improvement District
Lake Striker Salvinia Control $ 20,000.00
Brazos River Nature Center Leased Angler Access to the Brazos River $ 36,000.00
Caddo Biocontrol Alliance Biological Control of Giant Salvinia $ 20,000.00
Camp Huaco Springs Public Leased Access to the Guadalupe River Trout Fishery $ 2,600.00
Central Michigan University Alligator Gar in Texas’ Coastal Zone: Setting the Scale for Management of Populations and Habitats
$ 4,985.25
Chautauqua Foundation Leased Angler Access to the Lower Colorado River at the Texas River School River Camp
$ 12,000.00
Coastal Water Authority Control of Water Hyacinth and Hydrilla on Lake Houston and its Tributaries
$ 25,000.00
Cypress Valley Navigation District
Boat Lane Maintenance and Boater Access on Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou
$ 30,500.00
Devils River Conservancy Community-Based Restoration Within the Devils River Access and Conservation Area
$ 31,450.00
Dick’s Canoes Public Leased Access to the Brazos River $ 31,450.00
Environmental Conservation Alliance
Riparian Productivity Along the Middle Trinity River $ 75,535.00
Environmental Conservation Alliance
Riparian Productivity along the Middle Trinity River and Refinement of Riparian Productivity versus Flow Relationships for Texas Rivers
$ 63,010.06
Guadalupe Blanco River Authority
Control of Water Hyacinth, Hydrilla, and Other Aquatic or Riparian Plant Species in the Guadalupe River, Guadalupe River Reservoirs, Lower Guadalupe River, and Guadalupe River Tributaries
$ 80,000.00
Hill Country Alliance Private Landowner Incentive-Based Watershed Conservation in the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion Coordinating Implementation of the Aquatic Resources Conservation Objectives of the Texas Conservation Action Plan
$150,000.00
30
John Cooke II Public Leased Access to the Sabine River at FM 1794, Beckville $ 21,500.00
Karrie Lera McKeown Public Leased Access to the Colorado River at 203 Hidden Shores Loop, Smithville
$ 31,458.00
Keep Texas Beautiful Organization and Implementation of Litter Clean-up at TPWD River Access and Conservation Area Sites
$ 61,654.00
Kingsland Slab Group, LLC River Access Lease Agreement $ 23,500.00
Kona Coast Ventures Public Leased Access to the Guadalupe River Trout Fishery at Whitewater Sports
$ 5,000.00
Lavaca-Navidad River Authority Control of Water Hyacinth, Hydrilla, Giant Salvinia, and Other Invasive Aquatic or Riparian Plant Species in Lake Texana and its Tributaries
$ 75,000.00
Lower Neches Valley Authority Vegetation Management on B.S. Steinhagen Reservoir and Sam Rayburn Reservoir
$500,000.00
Mississippi State University Bass Study $ 19,007.00
Mountain Breeze Campground Public Leased Access to the Guadalupe River Trout Fishery $ 4,615.00
Nol Dear Public Leased Access to the South Llano River at KC 150 $ 22,500.00
Nueces River Authority Creative Design and Printing of the “Troubleshooting Invasives Pocket Guide”
$ 47,344.00
Nueces River Authority Project 23: Upper Nueces River $ 50,000.00
River Valley Campground (Rio Raft)
Public Leased Access to the Guadalupe River Trout Fishery $ 4,615.00
Sandra Hightower Public Leased Access to the Colorado River at 750 Hwy FM 2571, Smithville
$ 34,631.88
Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership
Assessment and Prioritization of Barriers in the Upper Guadalupe River Upstream from Canyon Reservoir: A Pilot Project
$ 74,998.00
Skyline Ranch Public Leased Access to the Devils River in Val Verde County $ 32,000.00
Stephen F. Austin University Control of Giant Salvinia with an Endocide $ 89,567.00
Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research
Host Fish Use of Three Rare Central Texas Mussel Species $207,361.00
Texas A&M University, ArgiLife Research
Landa Lake Armored Catfish Processing $ 5,775.00
31
Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research
Lower Guadalupe Nutrient Exchange $ 70,794.42
Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research
Native Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Effects on Fish and Wildlife Communities in Texas Reservoirs
$155,240.80
Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research
Trinity River Mussel Survey $ 65,000.00
Texas Conservation Science Riparian Productivity in the Brazos, Guadalupe, and Trinity River Basins
$ 50,000.00
Texas State University Analytical Services Genetics Student Worker Laboratory Assistant $ 29,996.16
Texas State University Assessment and Modeling of Environmental Flows to Support Riparian Areas, Native Fishes, and Unionid Mussels
$ 83,839.00
Texas State University Dispersal and Migration of Freshwater Mussels $ 95,840.00
Texas State University Dispersal of Zebra Mussels Downstream of an Invaded Reservoir and Assessing the Risk of Dreissenid Mussel invasion into Lakes of Texas
$ 73,027.00
Texas State University Guadalupe Benthics $ 26,000.00
Texas State University Lower Guadalupe Inundation Analysis $104,205.58
Texas State University The Impact of Environmental Contaminants on Texas Unionid Mussels in the Guadalupe Basin
$ 81,915.00
Texas Tech University Assessing the Risk of Dreissenid Mussel Invasion in Texas Based on Lake Physical Characteristics and Potential for Downstream Dispersal
$ 24,443.00
Texas Tech University Assessment and Monitoring of TPWD Public River Access Leases to Guide Sustainable Management
$249,651.00
Texas Tech University Environmental DNA-based Range Delineation of Invasive Bigheaded Carp in Texas
$ 69,415.00
Texas Tech University Recruitment Dynamics and Reproductive Ecology of Blue Sucker in Texas
$166,157.00
Texas Tech University Towards a Better Understanding of Blue Suckers: Validation of Age Determination Methods and Establishing the Influence of Temperature on Aerobic Scope and Swimming Performance
$131,874.00
Thomas A. Goynes Public Leased Access to the San Marcos River $ 36,000.00
32
Trout Unlimited Feasibility Study for Native Fish Establishment in West Texas Streams, including Potential Re-Establishment of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
$ 26,225.00
University of Alabama Impacts of Zebra Mussels on Reservoir Water Quality: Spatio-temporal Patterns
$ 48,213.00
University of North Texas Experimental Determination of Host Suitability for Six State-Threatened Mussel Species
$ 74,189.00
University of So. Mississippi Relevance of River-Reservoir Interface Backwaters to Floodplain-Adapted Fish Communities
$ 16,980.00
University of Texas Arlington An Ongoing Study of Zebra Mussel Population Dynamics in Infested Texas Water Bodies
$ 36,653.47
University of Texas Austin Age, Growth, and Environmental Exposure Histories of Threatened Freshwater Mussels
$ 31,601.00
University of Texas Austin Blanco River Restoration Educational Materials Workshop $ 28,030.00
University of Texas Austin Conserving Texas Biodiversity: Status, Trends and Conservation Planning for Fishes of Greatest Conservation Need
$833,553.00
University of Texas Austin-Bureau of Economic Geology
Monitoring Hydrologic Effects of Salt Cedar Control in the Upper Brazos River Basin, Texas
$280,907.88
University of Texas Austin-Bureau of Economic Geology
Surface Water/Groundwater Interactions in the Upper Brazos River Basin in Texas and Quantitative Relationship to Smalleye and Sharpnose Shiner Reproductive Success
$ 99,935.00
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Impacts of Hydrologic Alteration on Imperiled Brazos River Vertebrates
$ 51,405.00
University of Texas Tyler Demographic Data for Two State-Threatened Mussels in the Neches River
$ 15,489.00
William H. Haley, III Public Leased Access to the Nueces River at 12317 Figueroa St., Corpus Christi
$ 29,500.00
33
Grants and Donations — Incoming Funds Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Toyota ShareLunker Program Operations $70,000
Water Oriented Recreation District Comal County Habitat Improvements $500
Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited Student Intern $7,000
Nell F. Bailey Charitable Trust Neighborhood Fishin’ Program $2,000
4200 Smith School Road ▪ Austin, Texas 78744 www.tpwd.texas.gov
© 2018 TPWD. PWD RP T3200-0909 (4/18)
In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.
TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TDD) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD or the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.